The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Delmonico, Palka enjoy ‘Carbonaro’ prank on fans
Former captain Wright gets a new position with Mets.
Nicky Delmonico gets a kick when someone plants a rubber snake in the White Sox clubhouse to scare a teammate, so he appreciates the next-level pranking that “The Carbonaro Effect” has pulled on unsuspecting Sox fans.
On a recent episode on TruTV, Delmonico and teammate Daniel Palka, another fan of the show, join comedian Michael Carbonaro as they trick customers at a Guaranteed Rate Field hot dog stand.
“Me and Palky watched the show for a long time, and I felt like a little kid. Just being able to be a part of it was really something special,” Delmonico said.
The bit involves pouring “press-activated” condiments on a hot dog — though Carbonaro should know better than to mess with Chicagoans and their condiments.
Carbonaro, in disguise as a mustachioed vendor, explains to a fan that mustard, relish and sriracha sauce can all be dispensed from the same packet through a “chemical change” that’s activated by the number of times he presses it.
At the point the fan pulls a moist towelette from one of the packets, Carbonaro walks away and leaves the fan looking confused.
Delmonico has watched Carbonaro fool people with such magic tricks since the show’s beginning. His favorite episode involves a Porta Potty. Let’s just leave it at that.
“Ever since I’ve been in minor leagues playing baseball I’m coming in and watching the TV, either ‘Impractical Jokers’ or ‘The Carbonaro Effect,’” Delmonico said. “So I always watched before I got out and play.
“I’m a really big fan and kind of amazed at his show and what it does. It’s funny how he gets people to really believe what he’s doing.”
“The Carbonaro Effect” filmed new episodes in Chicago in September and reached out to the Sox about collaborating.
Delmonico found out a day before the show that he and Palka, another big fan of the show, would be making a cameo.
“We kind of have natural pranksters in our clubhouse,” Delmonico said.
Wright to become Mets special adviser
Former New York Mets captain David Wright is becoming a special adviser to chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.
Sidelined with leg, back and neck injuries, Wright did not play for the Mets from May 2016 until the final week of last season, when he announced his retirement. Wright made three plate appearances during the season’s final series against Miami.
Wilpon called Wright “an iconic Met” and said he “will be forever remembered for his contributions on the field as well as his numerous charitable endeavors.”
Wright attended last month’s winter meetings as a member of the Mets’ front office.
“We are thrilled he will remain close to the Mets family and will be a great asset in this new role,” Wilpon said.
A seven-time All-Star, Wright set Mets records for hits (1,777), doubles (390), runs (949) and RBIs (970).
“I will always be tremendously grateful for the way the fans treated me because playing in this city and for this team was a dream come true,” Wright said in a statement issued by the team. “I look forward to contributing and taking on the challenges of this new role.”
Twins to retire Mauer’s No. 7 in June
The Minnesota Twins have set the date for retiring Joe Mauer’s No. 7 jersey.
The Twins announced that Mauer’s number will be retired in a pregame ceremony at Target Field on “Joe Mauer Day” on Saturday, June 15.
The event will take place before the Twins’ 6:10 p.m. game against Kansas City. More details will be announced later.
Mauer, a six-time All-Star, retired after a 15-year major league career, all with the Twins. The Twins earlier announced plans to retire Mauer’s number.
Mauer will become the eighth former Twins player or manager with a retired number, joining Harmon Killebrew (3), Rod Carew (29), Tony Oliva (6), Kent Hrbek (14), Kirby Puckett (34), Bert Blyleven (28) and Tom Kelly (10). Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 is retired by all major league teams.